Protest calls on HECO to uphold energy aims

More than a dozen protesters joined the Sierra Club Hawaii outside Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Ward Avenue headquarters Monday, a day before HECO submits its plan for making the transition to clean energy with the Public Utilities Commission.

The environmental group called upon the local government and state Legislature to ensure that HECO sets aggressive goals in upgrading the current grid system to allow more use of renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

The protesters gathered around a solar panel on a gurney to symbolize the critical state of solar power.

A year ago, HECO changed its rules to require homeowners to get approval from the utility before they install photovoltaic systems. HECO said the change is needed to prevent damage to the grid from too much unstable power being fed into the system.

The effect has been to slow PV installations. Solar companies report hundreds of customers are waiting for HECO approval, some as long as nine months.

"The companies and the people are ready to go and are not allowed to," Jan Pappas, an Aiea resident and solar panel owner, said at the rally. "We have limitless solar and don’t need someone throwing roadblocks in the way."

Bill Metzger, a resident with a solar-powered home, said solar energy should be available for all homeowners.

"HECO has done a lot of talking about supporting alternative energy — a lot of talk, some support, and it is time for them to show up and walk this talk," said Metzger, a Manoa resident. "We have a great opportunity to be world leaders."

Local solar businesses also joined residents at the rally.

Jeff Lum, project manager for Honolulu-based Alternate Energy, said his concern is how long it will take after HECO files its plans on Tuesday for the situation to improve.

Lum said he has more than 300 customers waiting for HECO approval of their rooftop PV systems.

"My concern is to not just come up with a solution but implement it in a timely manner," Lum said.

HECO said it will file its plans with the PUC late Tuesday.